Higgins seeks to retain Squaw Island public access

Rep. Brian Higgins on Tuesday called on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reverse its decision to fence off a popular fishing spot, saying the move will impact “less wealthy” anglers.

In a letter to the corps’ Buffalo commander, Higgins says fencing off the northern end of Squaw Island near the Black Rock Channel would restrict public access to the waterfront and raise environmental justice considerations.

“Generally speaking, wealthier people fish on boats, and less wealthy people fish on land,” he writes, adding that the decision is “eliminating access and recreational opportunities for less wealthy anglers in order to facilitate and favor more wealthy anglers.”